Impact of Wearable Radiation Monitoring Devices on Safety Compliance Among Nurses and Radiologic Technologists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.4850Keywords:
Wearable radiation monitoring devices, real-time dosimetry, occupational radiation safety, safety compliance, ALARA principleAbstract
Wearable radiation monitoring devices have fundamentally transformed occupational safety paradigms for nurses and radiologic technologists by bridging the critical gap between theoretical safety protocols and practical compliance. Unlike passive dosimeters that provide delayed data, these real-time devices offer immediate auditory, visual, and haptic feedback, making the invisible threat of ionizing radiation tangibly perceptible during clinical procedures. This instantaneous feedback loop acts as a powerful behavioral nudging tool, reinforcing ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles by allowing healthcare workers to directly correlate their proximity, positioning, and use of shielding with quantifiable exposure metrics. Empirical studies consistently demonstrate that this active monitoring fosters a proactive safety culture, leading to significant reductions in personal dose equivalents and improved adherence to protective behaviors, such as consistently utilizing lead barriers and maximizing distance from radiation sources. The technology’s integration into daily practice not only empowers individual practitioners with heightened situational awareness but also provides institutional radiation safety officers with granular data to optimize workflows, refine protocols, and tailor training. Despite challenges related to cost, device usability, and potential alarm fatigue, the evolution of wearable dosimetry toward more integrated and intelligent systems represents a cornerstone in the ongoing effort to minimize occupational risk, thereby safeguarding the long-term health of the vital frontline personnel in radiology, interventional suites, and oncology.
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